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Devo apparecchiare la tavola prima che arrivino gli ospiti.

Devo apparecchiare la tavola prima che arrivino gli ospiti.
I have to set the table before the guests arrive.
FromLesson 9inHardcore Italian

Breakdown of Devo apparecchiare la tavola prima che arrivino gli ospiti.

io
I
arrivare
to arrive
l'ospite
the guest
prima
before
dovere
to have to
apparecchiare
to set
la tavola
the table

Questions & Answers about Devo apparecchiare la tavola prima che arrivino gli ospiti.

What does apparecchiare mean in this sentence?
Apparecchiare means “to set the table.” It refers to arranging tableware—such as plates, utensils, and glasses—in preparation for a meal.
Why is the verb arrivino in the subjunctive mood instead of the indicative?
The verb arrivino is in the subjunctive because it follows the conjunction prima che (“before”). In Italian, when a subordinate clause introduced by expressions like prima che refers to an action that is expected or not yet realized, the verb is put in the subjunctive to convey uncertainty or potentiality.
What is the role of prima che in this sentence?
Prima che functions as a temporal conjunction meaning “before.” It connects the main action (setting the table) with the subsequent event (the guests arriving) by indicating that the table must be set prior to the guests’ arrival.
What does Devo indicate, and what is its grammatical form?
Devo is the first person singular form of the modal verb dovere in the present tense. It translates to “I must” or “I have to” and expresses an obligation or necessity in the context of the sentence.
How is la tavola used in this context?
La tavola literally means “the table,” and in this context it specifically refers to the dining table that needs to be set. The definite article la specifies that it is a particular table, typically the one used for meals.
Why is the subject “I” not explicitly mentioned in the sentence?
In Italian, subject pronouns are often omitted because the verb ending already clearly indicates the subject. In this case, devo shows that the subject is “I,” making the explicit use of “io” unnecessary.
Can you explain the overall structure of the sentence?
Certainly. The sentence consists of a main clause and a subordinate clause. The main clause, Devo apparecchiare la tavola, states the obligation to set the table. The subordinate clause, prima che arrivino gli ospiti, establishes the time condition, indicating that the table must be set before the guests arrive. This structure highlights the sequence of actions required.
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